Fecal incontinence care at Mayo Clinic

Advanced diagnosis and treatment

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed specialized diagnostic tools for characterizing individual cases of fecal incontinence. They continue active research this area. Examples include:

Magnetic resonance proctography, a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that shows pelvic floor motion in real time. This is now a standard clinical test at Mayo Clinic.

Magnetic resistance elastography (MRE), an application of MRI that shows promise for helping diagnose anal incontinence. MRE searches out stiff tissue. The less elastic the sphincter muscles are, the more likely fecal incontinence is to occur.

Portable anorectal manometer, a simple, inexpensive device that measures pressures in the rectum and anal canal.

Analelectromyography (EMG), a test that identifies anal sphincter nerve injury in women with fecal incontinence. Anal EMG offers greater accuracy than other tests for this cause of fecal incontinence.

Mayo Clinic also offers a full range of treatments, including a pelvic floor retraining program, where you learn how to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, sense when stool is ready to be evacuated and contract the muscles if evacuation is inconvenient.

The Evacuation Disorders/Bowel and Bladder Program is a unique outpatient program not offered elsewhere in the United States. Specially trained nurses work multiple times a day over a two-week period with people who have fecal incontinence or another evacuation disorder. Many people who enter the program have had unsuccessful treatment at other facilities, but find success here. The program combines biofeedback and behavioral modification, providing individuals with the skills and education necessary to complete a successful follow-up program at home.

The Gastrointestinal Motility Clinic is the first center nationwide to use high-resolution anorectal manometry for patients and to develop a system for classifying patients with defecatory disorders, including fecal incontinence.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) was approved in 2013 to treat fecal incontinence. Researchers at Mayo Clinic continue to study and refine the treatment. SNS involves implanting a neurostimulator in the pelvis that transmits mild electrical impulses, which researchers believe improves sensation. Some doctors believe that other treatments should be tried first. However, others suggest that because it is easy to implant, it could be an initial surgical approach.

Expertise and rankings

Mayo Clinic specialists treat nearly 2,000 people each year for fecal incontinence.

Mayo Clinic researchers have helped develop state-of-the-art imaging to assess the anatomy and function of the anus and rectum.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for digestive disorders.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.

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